About LPF

Functional Polymers Laboratory

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However, sustainability issues related to these materials — due to their persistence in the environment — have raised concerns within both the scientific community and civil society. For this reason, at the Functional Polymers Laboratory (LPF), a research group at the Institute of Chemistry at UNICAMP led by Dr. Lucas Polo da Fonseca, we investigate polymers and polymeric colloids with the goal of developing technologies that help address not only this challenge, but also other central challenges facing humanity.

We value all areas of human knowledge, as well as creativity, ethics, diversity, and a collaborative environment in which everyone has an active voice and real opportunities for human, scientific, and professional development, free from any form of oppression or prejudice. We believe that only in this way is it possible to achieve true solutions to humanity’s core problems.

Step‑Growth Polymerization

Sustainable and Circular Polymers

Amphiphilic Polymeric Systems

Step‑Growth Polymerization

Sustainable and Circular Polymers

Amphiphilic Polymeric Systems

Step‑Growth Polymerization

Focus: Transforming polycondensation/polyaddition reactions into controlled polymerization routes capable of producing polymers with low dispersity (Đ < 1.5), predefined chain architecture and functionality, and block copolymers (BCPs) with predetermined architectures.

Approaches: Polymerizations mediated by dynamic bonds (e.g., dynamic ureas), chain‑transfer strategies, and the design of chemical equilibria to control step‑growth polymerizations; synthesis of BCPs and evaluation of self‑assembly via SAXS/WAXS/microscopy. Our group stands out as the first research group in the world to develop a method with the potential to convert any step‑growth polymerization into a controlled polymerization — meaning it can potentially produce polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, polycarbonates, and other heteroatom‑containing polymers (non‑carbon atoms in the backbone) in a controlled manner (Đ < 1.5, predefined architecture and molar mass).

Applications: Reversible adhesives, high‑performance polymeric materials for automotive, aerospace, and civil construction industries, films with well‑defined morphologies for separation membranes, conductive/insulating nanodomains, and materials for electronics.

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Sustainable and Circular Polymers

Focus: Synthesis and reprocessing/recycling (chemical and/or mechanical) of polymeric materials, integrating dynamic bonds, in‑situ‑generated CO₂ as a monomer/carbonyl source for various polymerizations, bio‑based monomers and matrices, and macromolecular design for circularity and low environmental impact.

Approaches: Catalysis and alternative synthetic routes that reduce carbon footprint and/or enable the insertion of labile bonds at strategic positions in polymer chains, allowing selective depolymerization. All routes/processes/materials developed will be evaluated through LCA (life‑cycle assessment) to determine the true sustainability of the processes and materials.

Applications: Reversible adhesives that allow bonding/debonding on demand while maintaining high performance over multiple cycles and enabling recycling of substrates (parts) after adhesive removal with little or no residue. Reprocessable thermosets and elastomers that retain performance after reprocessing.

Amphiphilic Polymeric Systems

Focus: Amphiphilic polymers for drug delivery and controlled release, as well as the development of macromolecular drugs.

Approaches: Studies of polymeric colloidal systems in biological fluids; development of macromolecular drugs using controlled polymerization routes.

Applications: DDS (drug delivery systems), macromolecular drugs, and biomaterials.

All research lines integrate principles of ethics, safety, responsible open science, and human development, with attention to diversity, inclusion, and cooperation.

1) Plastic and electronic waste 2) Global warming (CO₂) 3) Water and food security 4) Vulnerability to pathogens/autoimmune diseases

Atmospheric CO₂ in Engineering Polymers

Central idea: Use alkaline bicarbonates as in‑situ CO₂ generators for polycondensations with diols/diamines, producing polyurethanes, polyureas, and polycarbonates that are chemically identical to commercial ones — without phosgene/isocyanates and without high‑pressure steps. The route integrates direct air capture (DAC) and prioritizes bio‑based monomers, aiming for carbon‑negative materials.

Fronts:

(i) Passive DAC coupled to the reactor

(ii) Synthesis and catalysis for PC/PU/PUU

(iii) Reuse/recycling routes (chemical and mechanical)

(iv) LCA to guide decisions

Expected results: A scalable platform with engineering‑plastic performance and a lower carbon footprint, potentially carbon‑negative.

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Control, Interface, Recycling, Catalysis, Life‑cycle, and Scaling

Central idea: Develop controlled step‑growth polymers (SGPs) and SGPs with dynamic covalent bonds (SGP‑dyn) to combine high performance, recyclability, and circularity.

Axes:

(i) Narrowing molar‑mass distribution (Đ < 1.5) and architectural control (blocks/topologies)

(ii) Integration of dynamic bonds for reprocessing and selective depolymerization

(iii) Bio‑based composites with cellulosic fibers

(iv) LCA + data to prioritize routes with better impact

(v) Scale‑up demonstrations

Impact: Replace conventional composites and polymers in advanced applications and enable efficient, sustainable chemical recycling.

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